Off the Beaten Paths: Hikes for T.A.C.O. Week

Christina recently challenged her blog readers to come up with a list of sites in their town that are off the beaten path.  Meanwhile, September 24th – September 30th is Take a Child Outside Week (HT Ryan Somma).  Being in beautiful southwest Virginia, there is no shortage of great places outside to take a child.  The Huckleberry Trail, the Caboose Park, Pandapas Pond and the Virginia Tech Duck Pond are all very popular.  BUT– I can also recommend some outings that are a little less crowded, a little closer to nature, and still child friendly.

So here are Five Off the Beaten Path Places to Take a Child Outside.  To help illustrate the outings, there are pictures of one of my favorite hiking partners, little Penn.

Falls Ridge Preserve
In 2005 when the Roanoke Appalachian Trail Club took a group hike over to Falls Ridge Preserve, some of members never even knew the preserve existed.  This is particularly surprising because this hike has a lot to offer.  There is a giant grassy field to run around in.  There is a waterfall!  There are the remains of an old furnace!  There are CAVES!  And…. you can see it all with almost no elevation gain (There is a hill to go up to the top of the falls, but you don’t have to do that if you don’t wanna).

Penn at Falls Ridge, 2 years of age

Falls Ridge Preserve Length: You can make it as long or as short as you want Elevation Gain: Flat, except for a hill to the top of the falls. Driving and Parking: The final approach to the preserve is a flat gravel road.  There is plenty of parking. Directions from Blacksburg, VA From Main Street, turn on Ellett Road. Turn left on Jennelle Road and cross over railroad tracks Turn right on Den Hill Road Turn left on Northfork Turn right on Falls Ridge Rd. Turn left immediately after the railroad tracks and follow the gravel road to the preserve.

Barney’s Wall
As for off the beaten path, a hiker from Blue Ridge Country described Barney’s Wall as “the region’s best-kept-secret stunning views“.  It is indeed stunning and very often secluded.  And here’s the kicker– it is a very easy hike! 

Penn at Barney’s Wall, 4 years of age

For an added treat, I suggest packing in milk and cookies. 

P.S. If you are your child are still thirsting for more scenery, keep driving down VA-714 to the Butt Mountain Overlook and the old fire tower.

Barney’s Wall Length: ~1.5 miles round trip Elevation Gain: Small downhill there, small uphill back. Parent Stress Level: I did find this hike the most stressful of all my outings with Penn because of the sharp dropoff at the overlook.  Keep children under close supervision. Driving and Parking: To get to the trailhead, you do have to travel on gravel/dirt VA-714.  The road’s maintenance level does vary.  I would recommend 4WD. Directions from Blacksburg, VA Take 460 West Turn right on Doe Creek Road Turn left on Paces Gap Road/Little Meadow which will become gravel Travel roughly 5.5 miles and look for “Nature Conservancy Trail” on the left.

Keffer Oak
Keffer Oak is one of the largest blazed trees on the 2175 mile Appalachian Trail and it isn’t that far from Blacksburg.  You know the tree is impressive when it makes it in a book called Remarkable Trees of Virginia.  Estimated at over 300 years old, the Keffer Oak is 18 feet in circumference.  To a small child, it seems even bigger!  From the VA-630 trailhead, it is only 0.6 miles to tree.  There is a hill, but an easy one.  If the tree is not enough, next to the tree is a stile, which Penn loved to climb.  It was like a mini jungle gym in the middle of the woods!

Penn at Keffer Oak, 4 years of age

On the drive to the tree, be sure to take a detour on VA-601 to see the historic covered bridge!

Appalachian Trail – Keffer Oak Length: 1.2 miles round trip Elevation Gain: There is a brief hill near the beginning of the trail, but nothing too scary. Driving and Parking: The roads are all paved and there is a small gravel parking lot at the VA-630 trailhead. Directions from Blacksburg, VA Take 460 West Turn right on VA-42 Bear right to stay on VA-42 Turn right on VA-629 Turn right on VA-630 The trailhead will be on your left shortly after passing over a bridge

Wind Rocks
Wind Rocks is another contender for your child’s first Appalachian Trail hike!  From the parking lot, there is not even a half mile walk to the overlook.  Of course you have to drive to the trailhead, but along the way, you can stop at Mountain Lake to explore the dry lake bed or marvel at the life size chess and checkers set.  Your child will also get exposed to Civil War history, when you pass by “Mini-Ball Hill” where soldiers, weary from climbing the steep mountains, abandoned their ammunition to lighten their load.

Penn and Uncle Ted at Wind Rocks, 1 Year of age

Appalachian Trail – Wind Rocks Length: ~1 mile round trip Elevation Gain: There is a uphill there, but not too bad. Driving and Parking: The trailhead is off of gravel VA-613.  For the most part the road is flat and well maintained.  There are some sections with some water damage.  However, 4WD may not be a requirement.  I once saw a Mini Cooper make the trip! Directions from Blacksburg, VA Take 460 West Turn right on VA-700 and drive 7 miles to Mountain Lake Once at the resort, turn left on VA-613. Pass by the turn off the to Biological Station Pass by the trailhead for the War Spur Trail Pass the Mini-Ball Hill sign on your left. The AT Trailhead will eventually be on your right and a large dirt parking area will be on the left.

Gatewood Lake
In this area, you hear a lot about Smith Mountain Lake and you hear a lot about Claytor Lake.  But have you ever heard of Gatewood Lake in Pulaski?  Unlike the other two lakes, Gatewood Lake does not permit gas motors.  The result?  A very peaceful and quiet lake experience where you can really concentrate on nature.  There are number of easy hiking trails that run along the lake and if you yearn to be even closer to the water, they rent kid-friendly paddle boats! 

Penn at Gatewood Lake, 5 years of age.

Gatewood Resevoir Length: Can be as long or as short as you like. Elevation Gain:  Flat! Driving and Parking: All roads and lots are paved Directions from Blacksburg, VA Take 460 East to I-81 South Get off Exit 94 Take VA-99 into downtown Pulaski Follow signs to “Gatewood Resevoir”